Jinja City

Jinja's rare cactus trees (candelabra tree)

For trees that grow in semi desert conditions, its a surprise to find some in Jinja with its warm tropical climate. These trees are extremely rare in Jinja, and this writer has seen only seen three of them around Jinja.

The most famous one is located near the junction between Main Street and Eng Dhikusooka road. Its believed to be over 50 years a lot. The other ones are located on Lubas Road and on Igenge Hill in Bugembe.

According to Wikipedia Candelabra tree or Euphorbia ingens is a species of plant in the genus Euphorbia and the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to dry areas of southern Africa. It is popularly known as the "candelabra tree", and its milky latex can be extremely poisonous, and a dangerous irritant.

It grows on dry lands and semi savannas. It prefers warm regions as it can survive long droughts. It usually roots on rocky outcrops or deep in sand among the bush.

Picturesque Jinja